British glassmakers F. & C. Osler redefined the art of cut-glass design in an era of Victorian luxury, refinement and grandeur.
The firm began in Birmingham in 1807 by Thomas Osler, who established his business making small glass ornaments and pieces for chandeliers. His sons, Follett and Clarkson Osler, joined the company and, in 1831, reorganized it as F. & C. Osler.
During the 1840s, F. & C. Osler expanded production to include the manufacture of chandeliers and glass furnishings, opening a second workshop in London in 1845. The company focused on producing large-scale designs, leading to the creation of one of their most famous pieces: the 27-foot-high, four-ton Crystal Fountain for London’s Great Exhibition in 1851. Another notable F. & C. Osler piece at the exhibition was a pair of eight-foot-high candelabras purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Today, they are on display as part of the Royal Collection at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
The success of F. & C. Osler’s Crystal Fountain established the company’s reputation as one of the finest glassmakers of the 19th century. Wealthy clients coveted its cut-glass chandeliers, wall sconces, epergnes, candelabras and decorative centerpieces.
F. & C. Osler also received several important commissions. In 1856, F. & C. Osler designed a large chandelier for St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and a 36-light chandelier for London’s Mansion House. In 1858, they were asked to produce tableware for a banquet held by Queen Victoria at Aston Hall, in Birmingham. The Queen is said to have been so impressed with the glassware she asked permission to keep a champagne glass.
F. & C. Osler thrived throughout the late 19th century, experimenting with complex cut-glass motifs and expanding its successful export market to India. They became a favorite glassmaker for Indian royalty and aristocratic English ex-pats.
By the 1920s, demand for cut-glass products waned, and F. & C. Osler closed its Birmingham factory in 1922. The company remained in business, albeit on a much smaller scale, until 1976.
Today, F. & C. Osler remains a symbol of grand Victorian glassmaking and is sought by antique collectors and interior designers worldwide.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique F. & C. Osler lighting, decorative objects and serveware.
Large Cut Glass Plafonnier by F. & C. Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A cut glass gilt mounted plafonier by F. & C. Osler with split diamond cut bowl issuing a cut glass star and pine cone finial, the metal stamped F&C O...
Cut Glass
1 of 2 Large Tulipan Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful onion-shaped -Tulipan glass chandelier. 30 hand-blown glasses suspended on a white painted metal frame. Best of design from the 1960s by Kalmar, Austria. High quality of th...
Murano Glass
$3,277
H 7.88 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in
Large Stunning Murano Glass Flushmount by Doria, Germany, 1960s
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Aachen, NRW
Large Fantastic mid-century Flush mount chandelier by Doria, Germany, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. Many Murano glass cylinders are suspended from the fixture. Wonderful geometric ...
Brass
$3,218
H 29.53 in Dm 16.54 in
Large French Art Nouveau Art Deco Ornate Burnished Brass & Cut Glass Chandelier
Located in Coimbra, PT
A wonderful ceiling fixture decorated with fine ornaments. In very good condition, original cut glass dome without damages and brass with beautiful patina, France, 20th century. ...
Brass
19th Century English Cut Crystal Chandelier, Signed F & C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This six light chandelier by the renowned firm of F & C Osler, is of rare design and a first rate example the the glass cutters art! Originally gas powere...
Crystal
A Stunning Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Plafonnier
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stunning early 20th century gilt bronze and crystal plafonnier. The bronze and eight crystal spears form the top with a cross diamond designed glass shade. Eight lights above the ...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,668
H 12.6 in Dm 20.48 in
Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our beloved old chandelier, restored with love and expertise in Berlin. Its electrical wiring is compatible with the US, as it has been professionally re-wired and is rea...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
$1,956Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 13 in
French 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut-blown-glass Plafonnier 'Ceiling Light'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French 20th century gilt bronze and cut-glass Plafonnier (ceiling light). The three-light cut-blown-glass circular bowl-shaped dome surmounted with a gilt bronze acanthus support r...
Bronze
$2,702
H 31.5 in Dm 16.54 in
Rare Large F&C Osler Satin Glass Plafonnier in Original Heavy Cast Bronze Fittin
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Nottingham, GB
LARGE F. & C. OSLER SATIN GLASS PLAFONNIER LIGHT A rare and exceptional example of an original F. & C. Osler satin glass plafonnier ceiling light, complete with its original heavy c...
Bronze
Large Sputnik blown Glass by Doria, Germany, 1970s
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Aachen, NRW
A midcentury pendant light made by Doria Leuchtern, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970-1979. The pendant is composed of 6 blown glass balls attached to a brass frame. Sockets: 6 x ...
Brass
$7,489Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 21.66 in Dm 31.5 in
Modern Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Low Ceiling Chrome Silver New flush mounth
Located in Berlin, DE
Contemporary Art Deco Style Plafonnier Chandelier - Customizable in Various Sizes with Lead Crystal Introducing a brand-new, modern plafonnier chandelier that captures the elegance ...
Crystal, Wire
Edwardian English Frosted Cut Glass Plafonnier
Located in Southampton, GB
An Edwardian English, Frosted Plafonnier. Sitting within a patinated copper circlet, with original antique link chain and ceiling rose. Bowl Height - 20 cm Bowl Diameter - 35 cm Cha...
Copper
$1,016,038 / set
H 120.87 in Dm 73.63 in
Very Large Pair Antique English Cut Glass Purple Clear Chandeliers F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in London, GB
Very Large Pair Antique English Cut Glass Purple Clear Chandeliers F&C Osler English, Late 19th Century Height 307cm, diameter 187cm An exceptional pair of 19th century chandeliers...
Metal
Pair of Cut Glass Plaffonniers by F&C Osler
By F. & C. Osler
Located in Steyning, West sussex
A fine pair of silver mounted plaffonniers by F & C Osler with father cut glass bowls and slice cut finials.
Silver